Dons in confident mood heading into promotion clash with Salford

The mood at MK Dons has been as good as it has been all season despite losing for the first time in 14 games last time out.

The 3-1 reverse to Barnet last time out was not only their first loss since New Year’s Day, but also the first home defeat in the league since the middle of September as they slid five points adrift of League Two pace setters Bromley with seven games to go.

Despite that though, wing-back Aaron Nemane said the mood in the camp this week has been high, with the squad’s senior leaders stepping up to the plate.

“This week has actually felt even better, for some reason,” said the Frenchman. “I think everyone is really confident, we know what we need to do.

“Gilbs, our captain, and the rest of our dressing room leaders have really stepped up this week, keeping the spirits high. We’re here to go on and win the rest of the games now.”

Described as a ‘small bump’ by captain Gilbey following the loss to Barnet last week, Nemane said Dons were punished for making a series of mistakes by the Bees.

“It was probably better to make those mistakes all in one game than have them spread out,” he continued. “We don’t want to make them at all, but it’s better to make them all at once and then move onto the next game and not make any at all.

“We have to give Barnet a lot of credit, they gave us a good game and they deserved the win, but we put it behind us to move onto the rest of the season.”

Taking on Salford on Saturday, Dons know a second consecutive loss, especially to a promotion rival, would heavily dent their championship hopes while opening the door for others to sneak into the automatic fight.

Nemane added: “Salford are not too far behind us, I think it’s five points, and obviously they’ll want to be in the top three.

“We know how difficult it will be, so we’ll need to focus and approach it like it’s a normal game. I think we’re all ready for it.”